The new year started off on a high note, with the long-term Himalayan getting a solid upgrade in the form of the Rally kit. This upgrade adds some serious flair to an already capable machine. The kit includes a rally seat, handguards, a foam handlebar pad, a taller adventure screen, a headlight grille, an engine guard, and rally-style bodywork complete with a tail tidy. All these components promise to enhance both the bike’s capability (or rather, act as a placebo at least) and aesthetics, making it ready for even more rugged adventures.
Due to a particularly busy month of constant travel, I haven’t had the chance to fully test the upgraded Himalayan off-road yet, but I’m eager to take it on some proper trails soon. That said, I’ve already noticed some changes. The new rally seat, while providing a noticeable improvement in ergonomics, is quite stiff. While it’s great for short rides, the firmness becomes a bit much during long journeys, and I’m sure it’ll take some time to break in.
The brake pads were replaced during the last service, and the improvement is immediately noticeable. The brakes now feel much sharper, making the bike feel taut and responsive once again, which adds a bit of confidence when navigating through both city streets and rougher terrain. We already got. the tubeless wire-spoked wheels a while back, so there’s no concern about repairing a punctured tube anymore either.
While the Himalayan has always been an exciting ride, these upgrades truly look to take it up a notch. I’m looking forward to putting it through its paces off-road, where the new rally kit should do a swell job of keeping it intact. With more fun ahead, the upgraded Himalayan is shaping up to be an even more formidable adventure partner in 2025.
